Had problems with the first test. If Blogger is out of beta, how come I wasn't having problems until now?
Thursday, February 08, 2007
Testing Performancing
Well, since my Semajic client doesn't seem to be working with the new Blogger, I'm trying Performancing.
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Anonymous posting
Unfortunately, due to all the comment spam I'm having to disable anonymous commenting. However, if you have a google account I think you'll be able to comment. I'm not certain, but it's worth a try.
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Ponderings
I have figured out why the meek will inherit the earth.
Eventually all the non-meek fighting amongst themselves will kill each other off.
Then the meek will be the only ones left.
Eventually all the non-meek fighting amongst themselves will kill each other off.
Then the meek will be the only ones left.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Hard to believe. . .
Wednesday I will be 35 years old, officially in my mid thirties. It's hard to think of it. I still feel like I'm in my early 20s.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Pondering
Invariably, when those who do more thinking than talking actually say something, those who do more talking than thinking get upset.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Catch 22
1. The body needs sleep to heal itself.
2. Constant coughing keeping me awake.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
2. Constant coughing keeping me awake.
GRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Random Thoughts
I was thinking today about certain politically correct way people describe a particular type of person.
I've often heard someone described as having a "strong personality."
Come on. We all know what this means. It's just a polite way of saying they're pushy, overbearing, and have a hard time seeing others' point of view. Often this kind of person is even fond of bullying others into letting them have their way.
Why don't we call a spade a spade. Stop glorifying the person with the "strong personality." Stop insisting that the meeker types should be the ones to change.
Hmm. One person is open to other points of view, listens more than they talk, and uses persuasion. The other is aggressive and shouts down any ideas that differ with his/her own. Now you tell me who the one with the problem is.
I've often heard someone described as having a "strong personality."
Come on. We all know what this means. It's just a polite way of saying they're pushy, overbearing, and have a hard time seeing others' point of view. Often this kind of person is even fond of bullying others into letting them have their way.
Why don't we call a spade a spade. Stop glorifying the person with the "strong personality." Stop insisting that the meeker types should be the ones to change.
Hmm. One person is open to other points of view, listens more than they talk, and uses persuasion. The other is aggressive and shouts down any ideas that differ with his/her own. Now you tell me who the one with the problem is.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
T.G.T.O.
Thank God They're Over. The holidays, that is. Extremely busy the last week the guys were here, and then extremely busy while they were gone--busy working St. Joe's as well as special projects here.
Now the boys are back. I'm happy to have them back, but then I did enjoy having the house to myself the past couple weeks. Now it's back into the routine, which is gonna be hard after they've been out of the routine for two weeks.
More later on the holidays.
Now the boys are back. I'm happy to have them back, but then I did enjoy having the house to myself the past couple weeks. Now it's back into the routine, which is gonna be hard after they've been out of the routine for two weeks.
More later on the holidays.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Long week.
This has been a murderously long week. . . so far. 67 hours crammed into 5 workdays. That's Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and tomorrow. Today I'm actually off.
We had tickets to a preview showing of "Unaccompanied Minors" on Tuesday. Both myself and Scott were under the impression that I would be taking the boys to this movie. Unbeknownst to us, our other two co-workers had planned that the one would come in at 6pm and take them to the movie. Now, both Scott and I knew that with these things we should have left at 5:30 to be at the theater at 6pm. The movie was to start at 7pm, but you're not guaranteed a seat. I've seen plenty of people in the past turned away because they arrived later on. So I had the boys all ready to go at 5:30 when one of our co-workers stopped me and informed me that our other co-worker was coming in at 6 to take the boys. I was pretty disappointed as I was looking forward to this all week. I had worked from 6-8 in the morning, had four hours off, and come in at noon again in order to work until 11. And this other co-worker is coming in for a couple hours to go have fun with the guys? What is that?
Well, Scott had to leave at 8pm so someone had to relieve him as a few of the boys couldn't go to the movie. That's what I figured the other co-worker was coming in for. In all fairness, it was her day off so she was helping out. But I'm the one working completely insane hours. Don't I deserve some kind of break? Am I just here to be the mean guy who gets the boys up each morning, insisting they actually get up instead of wasting their time lying in bed? When do I get to be the staff they have fun with?
Enough of my rant. On more positive notes, I got to meet Ickey Woods Tuesday morning at our networking breakfast. It seems he's also interested in our business venture--I think he actually signed on after the meeting as well. What's also interesting is that his Ickey Woods Foundation has a very similar mission to Boys Hope Girls Hope. He could be a great contact both personally and for our organization. And Boys Hope Girls Hope could be a good contact for him and his organization as well.
For now, I'm going to enjoy my day off. I'm meeting with my supervisor at St. Joe's (where I still work some hours occasionally) today at 2. Seems they neglected to do an evaluation on me since 2005, so I'll be due a retroactive raise. Good times.
We had tickets to a preview showing of "Unaccompanied Minors" on Tuesday. Both myself and Scott were under the impression that I would be taking the boys to this movie. Unbeknownst to us, our other two co-workers had planned that the one would come in at 6pm and take them to the movie. Now, both Scott and I knew that with these things we should have left at 5:30 to be at the theater at 6pm. The movie was to start at 7pm, but you're not guaranteed a seat. I've seen plenty of people in the past turned away because they arrived later on. So I had the boys all ready to go at 5:30 when one of our co-workers stopped me and informed me that our other co-worker was coming in at 6 to take the boys. I was pretty disappointed as I was looking forward to this all week. I had worked from 6-8 in the morning, had four hours off, and come in at noon again in order to work until 11. And this other co-worker is coming in for a couple hours to go have fun with the guys? What is that?
Well, Scott had to leave at 8pm so someone had to relieve him as a few of the boys couldn't go to the movie. That's what I figured the other co-worker was coming in for. In all fairness, it was her day off so she was helping out. But I'm the one working completely insane hours. Don't I deserve some kind of break? Am I just here to be the mean guy who gets the boys up each morning, insisting they actually get up instead of wasting their time lying in bed? When do I get to be the staff they have fun with?
Enough of my rant. On more positive notes, I got to meet Ickey Woods Tuesday morning at our networking breakfast. It seems he's also interested in our business venture--I think he actually signed on after the meeting as well. What's also interesting is that his Ickey Woods Foundation has a very similar mission to Boys Hope Girls Hope. He could be a great contact both personally and for our organization. And Boys Hope Girls Hope could be a good contact for him and his organization as well.
For now, I'm going to enjoy my day off. I'm meeting with my supervisor at St. Joe's (where I still work some hours occasionally) today at 2. Seems they neglected to do an evaluation on me since 2005, so I'll be due a retroactive raise. Good times.
Friday, December 01, 2006
Going good
I'm really going to try to update this more. Now that I have internet access in my room, it'll help. Still working on getting connected to the wireless though.
I'm actually on duty today from 6a-6p, but I am able to take downtime as long as I don't overdo it. The boys were a pain this morning. They were allowed to stay up late last night. I was off duty, and I try NOT to comment on how anyone runs their shift. We're all adults and I trust that we all make decisions for a reason. However, I'm going to ask my co-workers to make sure that if they let the boys stay up late, it's a night where they are responsible for having to get them up in the morning. I have a feeling it would only happen once. ;-)
In the meantime, I feel like my home business is about to start blowing up. We're doing a lot of activity which seems to be proving productive. I'll be working on that this evening too.
Well, better get back to the grind. I still have to shower and change.
I'm actually on duty today from 6a-6p, but I am able to take downtime as long as I don't overdo it. The boys were a pain this morning. They were allowed to stay up late last night. I was off duty, and I try NOT to comment on how anyone runs their shift. We're all adults and I trust that we all make decisions for a reason. However, I'm going to ask my co-workers to make sure that if they let the boys stay up late, it's a night where they are responsible for having to get them up in the morning. I have a feeling it would only happen once. ;-)
In the meantime, I feel like my home business is about to start blowing up. We're doing a lot of activity which seems to be proving productive. I'll be working on that this evening too.
Well, better get back to the grind. I still have to shower and change.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Long time.
I know I haven't updated in a while. I haven't been able to set my computer up with the wireless network in the house, so finally I signed up for a dial-up account and am using the scholars' phone line while they're at school and at night when they're asleep. I'm still determined to connect to the wireless, but I've not been able to get the configuration right.
Anyway, welcome to my A-framer brothers (I'll leave the explanation of the name just between us). Feel welcome to comment on the blog at any time.
Anyway, welcome to my A-framer brothers (I'll leave the explanation of the name just between us). Feel welcome to comment on the blog at any time.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
More Work Surprises
As I was about to leave work today, Sister Melanie (our Executive Director)happened to be at the house for dinner. She told me she wanted to talk to me a moment before I left.
We went out into the garage to talk. I guess I'm the only one she is telling at the moment. She told me that she had offered Scott (the guy who was unjustly fired) his job back, and that they were meeting for lunch tomorrow. I guess she must have realized after seeing Darin for what he is that Scott was a better man than she knew. Scott was so obviously set up by Darin--at least to those of us who know the dynamics of the house.
Scott said he wasn't sure whether he'd accept the offer as he may have a better offer on the table, but his heart is very much with the guys at our house.
I'm really hoping he comes back. It sucks being the only male staff. It's good to have the womans' touch over at the house, but when a (boys) place is run mostly or exclusively by women, the boys suffer. Many women who work with kids try to remake boys into what they see as well behaved children--in other words, good little girls. I'm sure that statement may offend some women but it's the truth. It's simply a matter of not understanding what is normal behavior for a boy.
At any rate, as long as they're going to hire someone else, I'd rather it be another man--preferably Scott.
We went out into the garage to talk. I guess I'm the only one she is telling at the moment. She told me that she had offered Scott (the guy who was unjustly fired) his job back, and that they were meeting for lunch tomorrow. I guess she must have realized after seeing Darin for what he is that Scott was a better man than she knew. Scott was so obviously set up by Darin--at least to those of us who know the dynamics of the house.
Scott said he wasn't sure whether he'd accept the offer as he may have a better offer on the table, but his heart is very much with the guys at our house.
I'm really hoping he comes back. It sucks being the only male staff. It's good to have the womans' touch over at the house, but when a (boys) place is run mostly or exclusively by women, the boys suffer. Many women who work with kids try to remake boys into what they see as well behaved children--in other words, good little girls. I'm sure that statement may offend some women but it's the truth. It's simply a matter of not understanding what is normal behavior for a boy.
At any rate, as long as they're going to hire someone else, I'd rather it be another man--preferably Scott.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
SCORE
I got the position.
The meeting was mostly just to ensure that I was committed to taking the live-in position. They had the offer and my new employment agreement all typed out and ready for me to sign, which I did. They offered me $1500 more per year than I was making when I initially came on last year as a live-in Residential Counselor. On paper it looks like less than I currently make as the dollar figure is $1500 less per year than my live-out salary. But even just accounting for rent I won't have to pay it amounts to $3000 more per year. Add utilities, phone, and internet and it becomes $4800 more per year. Consider what I'd spend on laundry and it jumps to around 5200 more per year. On top of that, add food costs and gas savings. Other benefits are free YMCA membership, free cable TV (I don't currently subscribe), etc. And since I'm only taxed on my actual income and not the fact that I'm given room and board, I save in taxes.
I told the boys this evening. I know they were pretty happy about it, but one boy was really excited. I knew he would be as I think right now I'm one of the few people in the house who doesn't treat him like crap. The other boys all pick on him and since he's irritating, some of the new staff end up jumping down his throat over the littlest things.
I think my teammates are pretty happy too. It means more hours (the trap of salary) for me and increased responsibility (all good for the resume) and they all do look to me for guidance since I know the boys very well already, having worked with them for a year now.
We had an all-staff meeting for all three houses today at the office. Afterward, my teammates and I had an impromptu meeting to revamp the point system. We ended up coming up with something we could all be happy with. Afterward we all went out to lunch and just got more acquainted.
Yeah, it was a good couple of days.
The meeting was mostly just to ensure that I was committed to taking the live-in position. They had the offer and my new employment agreement all typed out and ready for me to sign, which I did. They offered me $1500 more per year than I was making when I initially came on last year as a live-in Residential Counselor. On paper it looks like less than I currently make as the dollar figure is $1500 less per year than my live-out salary. But even just accounting for rent I won't have to pay it amounts to $3000 more per year. Add utilities, phone, and internet and it becomes $4800 more per year. Consider what I'd spend on laundry and it jumps to around 5200 more per year. On top of that, add food costs and gas savings. Other benefits are free YMCA membership, free cable TV (I don't currently subscribe), etc. And since I'm only taxed on my actual income and not the fact that I'm given room and board, I save in taxes.
I told the boys this evening. I know they were pretty happy about it, but one boy was really excited. I knew he would be as I think right now I'm one of the few people in the house who doesn't treat him like crap. The other boys all pick on him and since he's irritating, some of the new staff end up jumping down his throat over the littlest things.
I think my teammates are pretty happy too. It means more hours (the trap of salary) for me and increased responsibility (all good for the resume) and they all do look to me for guidance since I know the boys very well already, having worked with them for a year now.
We had an all-staff meeting for all three houses today at the office. Afterward, my teammates and I had an impromptu meeting to revamp the point system. We ended up coming up with something we could all be happy with. Afterward we all went out to lunch and just got more acquainted.
Yeah, it was a good couple of days.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
Letter to the Bosses.
Since I hadn't heard much about the live-in position where I work and I know they're looking to make a decision soon, I decided it wouldn't hurt to nudge them a bit and pitch myself even further. So I sent the following e-mail.
Dear Katrina and Sister Melanie,
I haven’t heard much from you regarding the live-in position as of yet. In fact, the most I’ve heard is that you’re looking at a few different candidates.
As you go about making the decision, I hope you will keep several things in mind. Of course, first of those are that I have been working at the View Place house for over a year now, and I’ve worked hard to develop relationships with each of the scholars.
I did begin as a live-in staff. I left and went part time for some personal reasons, not the least of which was that I felt constantly criticized, talked down to, and undermined in front of the scholars by the other live-in counselor. I rarely have trouble getting along with anyone, so this is not normal for me. I tried to speak no ill of him at that time. Since then, I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and have even advocated for him on occasion as I choose to believe he doesn’t mean to come across the way he does. I want the focus of this letter to be positive, but I know the particular issue of my having left live-in before will come up.
I stayed part time due to my belief in the program and my belief that I could really make a difference in the scholars’ lives. There were times when I even rescheduled or canceled plans when I was needed to help out extra at the house due to my dedication to the cause. When I saw an opportunity to come back on full time, I went for it.
Now a live-in position has come open. Let me be so bold as to say that I am the person for that spot. The boys are going to need someone living in that they know, trust, and respect. They are going to need a male living in. Boys are no more comfortable having all women caring for them than girls are having all men caring for them. Boys have problems they won’t be comfortable talking to a woman about.
At this point, everybody is looking to me for my knowledge on the boys and the house routine. I have to advocate for the staff to the scholars, and I have to advocate for the scholars to the staff as well. I think I’m doing my share and then some, just out of necessity. That will all even out, but until the new staff and the scholars can get to know and respect each other I will end up being the liaison. I’m taking the initiative to take care of getting prescriptions filled, get scholars into activities, set medical and dental appointments, and get the vehicle maintenance up to date—all while trying to keep up with the regular house duties as well. That’s a lot to juggle, and will be much easier to focus on if and when I don’t have to switch focus each day from home to work to home to work to home to work (okay, you get the point).
As you said in my goals meeting, you haven’t begun to see what I’m capable of accomplishing. And I can accomplish so much more when my focus is not split.
Thanks for your consideration,
Al
Well, it appears that I did manage to kick the process into high gear. We're meeting Monday morning. They were discussing a few concerns which it appears I answered in my e-mail already. It pretty much seems like I've got the position.
Dear Katrina and Sister Melanie,
I haven’t heard much from you regarding the live-in position as of yet. In fact, the most I’ve heard is that you’re looking at a few different candidates.
As you go about making the decision, I hope you will keep several things in mind. Of course, first of those are that I have been working at the View Place house for over a year now, and I’ve worked hard to develop relationships with each of the scholars.
I did begin as a live-in staff. I left and went part time for some personal reasons, not the least of which was that I felt constantly criticized, talked down to, and undermined in front of the scholars by the other live-in counselor. I rarely have trouble getting along with anyone, so this is not normal for me. I tried to speak no ill of him at that time. Since then, I’ve tried to give him the benefit of the doubt and have even advocated for him on occasion as I choose to believe he doesn’t mean to come across the way he does. I want the focus of this letter to be positive, but I know the particular issue of my having left live-in before will come up.
I stayed part time due to my belief in the program and my belief that I could really make a difference in the scholars’ lives. There were times when I even rescheduled or canceled plans when I was needed to help out extra at the house due to my dedication to the cause. When I saw an opportunity to come back on full time, I went for it.
Now a live-in position has come open. Let me be so bold as to say that I am the person for that spot. The boys are going to need someone living in that they know, trust, and respect. They are going to need a male living in. Boys are no more comfortable having all women caring for them than girls are having all men caring for them. Boys have problems they won’t be comfortable talking to a woman about.
At this point, everybody is looking to me for my knowledge on the boys and the house routine. I have to advocate for the staff to the scholars, and I have to advocate for the scholars to the staff as well. I think I’m doing my share and then some, just out of necessity. That will all even out, but until the new staff and the scholars can get to know and respect each other I will end up being the liaison. I’m taking the initiative to take care of getting prescriptions filled, get scholars into activities, set medical and dental appointments, and get the vehicle maintenance up to date—all while trying to keep up with the regular house duties as well. That’s a lot to juggle, and will be much easier to focus on if and when I don’t have to switch focus each day from home to work to home to work to home to work (okay, you get the point).
As you said in my goals meeting, you haven’t begun to see what I’m capable of accomplishing. And I can accomplish so much more when my focus is not split.
Thanks for your consideration,
Al
Well, it appears that I did manage to kick the process into high gear. We're meeting Monday morning. They were discussing a few concerns which it appears I answered in my e-mail already. It pretty much seems like I've got the position.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Work.
Well, I still don't know whether I'll be going live-in at Boys Hope or not. Fortunately, it seems my co-workers are seeking my help and guidance more now (guess they realize they don't know everything about how to run the house or deal with the boys after all). My boss seems to be showing more appreciation of us as well. I think the stress is lifting a bit and we're all settling down, although the house is still in disarray from not being able to put things in the rooms. The exterminators will be coming again in a couple weeks, and then we'll probably be clear to put everything back.
As for the boys, they're being real pains, and my co-workers are pretty frustrated with them. I took the time to talk 1:1 with a few of them about behaviors and expectations. Our youngest co-worker (who is having the most trouble with them) got the idea from me as well. It's good that she wants to tackle the behaviors, but she seems to expect that they'll respond the same way to her as they do to me. But I've developed relationships with these guys for a year, so it's only natural that at this point they'll listen to me more and be more open with me.
I talked to Darin a few minutes ago. He seems pretty happy although he misses the boys. They miss him too. I actually do as well. I grew to like the guy, even though initially having to live with him was insufferable.
Well, that's about all I have for now. I'm hoping to be able to start packing to move into the house soon, but we'll see if my superiors have enough sense to take me on as a live-in again.
As for the boys, they're being real pains, and my co-workers are pretty frustrated with them. I took the time to talk 1:1 with a few of them about behaviors and expectations. Our youngest co-worker (who is having the most trouble with them) got the idea from me as well. It's good that she wants to tackle the behaviors, but she seems to expect that they'll respond the same way to her as they do to me. But I've developed relationships with these guys for a year, so it's only natural that at this point they'll listen to me more and be more open with me.
I talked to Darin a few minutes ago. He seems pretty happy although he misses the boys. They miss him too. I actually do as well. I grew to like the guy, even though initially having to live with him was insufferable.
Well, that's about all I have for now. I'm hoping to be able to start packing to move into the house soon, but we'll see if my superiors have enough sense to take me on as a live-in again.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Survey
This survey was too accurate for comfort in some ways. I'm pretty honest with myself about myself, so even when there were areas I didn't like to admit this survey was right, I knew it was accurate.
My Personality
My Personality
80 | |
52 | |
70 | |
88 | |
41 |
MySpace Surveys, MySpace Codes and hi5 by Pulseware Survey Software |
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Appreciated
I worked at St. Joe's this evening. As I walked on the unit, I got mobbed as usual for hugs. We had a pretty good night, with only a few outbursts (with the staff they have now, that's pretty darn good. Back when I worked the weekend, outbursts were rare). The kids were excited to watch the fireworks outside tonight, so we let some of them stay up past their bedtimes a little as long as their behavior had been okay.
My co-workers and my boss were all very appreciative of me as well. That's a relief after the week I had at Boys Hope. My coworkers and the kids are good to me, but my superiors at Boys Hope seem to not value me anymore. So it was nice to go to St. Joe's and have everyone from the clients to my boss be so happy to have me around.
My co-workers and my boss were all very appreciative of me as well. That's a relief after the week I had at Boys Hope. My coworkers and the kids are good to me, but my superiors at Boys Hope seem to not value me anymore. So it was nice to go to St. Joe's and have everyone from the clients to my boss be so happy to have me around.
Yes, I'm still alive.
What a busy week. Monday--work. Tuesday up at 5am, work at 6am, off just in time to get to the dentist. Trying to sleep before going to St. Joe's for a half shift. Got off at 4am Wednesday. Up at noon Wednesday to get to Boys hope for a meeting, then work til 9. Up at 5am Thursday to get to work at Boys Hope by 6am. Off at 2pm, just enough time to get some things done before going to the dentist at 4pm. Got some sleep before going to St. Joe's for a shift. Found out about 7:30 am that (lucky me) my name was pulled this month for a random drug test when I really needed to go home and sleep before getting to work at Boys Hope. Started off, decided there was too much traffic. Went home and showered before setting off to get something to eat and then go pee in a cup. Got home and happened to call Boys Hope. Found out that we were meeting at 1pm instead of 2pm and NOBODY TOLD ME. Worked until 7, went to Applebees to meet friends Scott and George. Came home at 9. Slept. Went NOWHERE on Saturday, just recouped from my week.
Ahhhhhhhhh.
Ahhhhhhhhh.
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